Businesses, residents mingle at 250th birthday celebration of Fenimore house

Corrective Chiropractic and Stacia's Mastery and Body Mind Spirit Massage hosted a 250th birthday party Wednesday evening for the historic Fenimore house that they have occupied off Lancaster Pike for several years.

Corrective Chiropractic and Stacia's Mastery and Body Mind Spirit Massage hosted a 250th birthday party Wednesday evening for the historic Fenimore house that they have occupied off Lancaster Pike for several years.

Members of the Hockessin community, patients, Hockessin Business Association members and Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce members based in Kennett Square, Pa. were among those who filled the Fenimore house and enjoyed refreshments and traded business cards in some old fashioned networking.

Dr. Chad Laurence of Corrective Chiropractic knew of the Fenimore house's history after doing some research at the Hockessin Library about the spot he chose to locate his office almost 10 years ago, he said. He learned that it was used as an infirmary to care and treat Colonial and British soldiers from the battle of the Brandywine during the Revolutionary War. And 75 years later, during the Civil War, and some argue that the home that became known as "Strathworth" was used as a part of the Underground Railroad.

"I knew the 250th anniversary was coming up so I wanted to celebrate this history with the folks of Hockessin and the local business community," Laurence said.

He pointed out that the building had returned to its use as a healthcare center with his Corrective Chiropractic and neighbor Body, Mind, Spirit Healing Massage, owned by Laurie Matamoros.

Matamoros said she too was fascinated with the history of the Fenimore home.

"I have several customers who knew the previous owners," she said. "It was used by the British during the Revolutionary War. Isn't that fascinating?"

Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cheryl Kuhn said the birthday part was a splendid idea.

"I think people are not aware of this history," Kuhn said. "They learn about history when they walk in the door. And the ability to network is fabulous. That's why the chamber is here."

Among those attending the part was Joe Agro, of Wilmington, who brought his twin daughters, Poppy and Olive, 4.

"I came to see Dr. Chad and it's always fun coming out with the kids," Agro said.

Another patient, Daniel Rappa, of Hockessin, brought his mother, Sherry, to the open house party.

"Growing up, my mom used to tell me about stories about how this house was part of the Underground Railroad," Rappa said. "I brought her out because she's never been here before."

Chuck and Ali Whitney, of Limestone Hills, came about because they wanted to see the home where their brother-in-law, Bobby Fenimore, grew up.

Page 2 of 2 - The Fenimore House was built by the Dixon family in 1763. Today the house still retains most of its historic charm, boasting polished hardwood floors, beautiful 18th century shelving and closets, 6 fireplaces, 19th century door handles and 20-inch granite walls.

Check back later for a complete photo gallery of the Fenimore celebration in Hockessin.